Senator Humphries asked the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, upon notice, on 12 September 2011:

(1) Have staffing numbers in agencies within the Minister's portfolio been reduced as a result of the efficiency dividend and/or other budget cuts; if so, in which areas and at what classification.

(2) Are there any plans for staff reduction in agencies within the Minister's portfolio; if so, can details be provided i.e. reduction target, how this will be achieved, services/programs to be cut etc.

(3) What changes are underway or planned for graduate recruitment, cadetships or similar programs, and if reductions are envisaged can details be provided, including reasons, target numbers etc.

Senator Wong: The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) Staffing numbers have not been reduced as a result of the efficiency dividend and/or other budget cuts.

(2) There are no plans for staff reductions.

(3) The Department intends to increase the number of graduates recruited for 2012.